Three stars Arsenal must be wary of this weekend at Bournemouth

Arsenal travel to Dean Court tomorrow to take on struggling Bournemouth as they look to maintain their pressure on the Premier League’s front-runners.

Arsene Wenger’s side currently reside in sixth place in England’s top flight, and know nothing but a victory against Eddie Howe’s side will do to keep up the pressure on those above them.

After a hard-fought (and a little fortunate) draw at Chelsea during the week, the Gunners will want to build and get their first win in five in all competitions – however the Cherries will certainly be no pushover.

Despite sitting 16th in the table, Bournemouth are undefeated in their last three, and have plenty of talent at their disposal, including these two who the Gunners must be wary of tomorrow afternoon …

Steve Cook

Bournemouth have a back-line that has plenty of height, strength and aerial prowess – and none more so than Steve Cook. The combative Englishman is a continual threat from set pieces, as demonstrated by his three goals this season (and two in his last two) and he will be a handful whichever Arsenal defender has the task of marking him – most likely the equally pugnacious Shkodran Mustafi.

Ryan Fraser

Bournemouth’s man of the moment. Fraser was on hand with a brilliant brace just before the New Year to help sink Everton in a fine 2-1 victory, and while he hasn’t found the net since – albeit it’s only been ten days – Fraser has continued to be at his electric best. A nuisance down the wing, the energetic winger will drive at Arsenal’s defence without a fear in the world, an approach not many are used to.

Jermain Defoe

Defoe may have struggled to replicate the form he showed at his previous clubs since returning to Dean Court during the summer – he’s scored only three times – but that should not detract from his quality. Given the opportunity (most likely off the bench), Defoe knows better than any other top flight striker where the net is, and will punish the Gunners if given even the slightest sniff at goal.